Eucharistic Celebration at St Mary’s Cathedral Highlights Call to Live as Good Shepherds

The Eucharistic celebration held at St Mary’s Parish on April 26 was presided over by His Excellency Bishop Justin Ain Soongie as part of the Annual General Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBCPNGSI).

His Excellency Bishop Justin Ain Soongie distributing Holy Communion to altar servers during the Eucharistic celebration at St Mary’s Parish

In his homily, Bishop Soongie reflected on Christ as the Good Shepherd, inviting the faithful to embrace a life of sacrifice, love, and unity. Addressing a full congregation, he drew from Sacred Scripture, recalling how figures such as Moses and David were first shepherds before being called by God, and how the prophet Ezekiel spoke of the Lord as the true shepherd of His people during the time of exile.

“Jesus proclaimed that this time has come. He presents Himself as the Good Shepherd,” the Bishop said. He reminded the faithful that Christ gathers all people into one family and nourishes them with His own Body so that they may have eternal life.

Bishop Soongie outlined three essential qualities of a true shepherd: the willingness to give one’s life for others, a deep and loving knowledge of the flock, and the mission to gather all people into unity. “The shepherd must be willing to give up his life for others,” he said, pointing to Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross and His continuing presence in the Eucharist.

He explained that every Eucharistic celebration is an encounter with Christ, who lifts His people up, carries them with love, and feeds them with His Body and Blood as spiritual nourishment for eternal life.

Reflecting on the relationship between Christ and His people, the Bishop described it as one of deep and personal love. “He calls out to us: do not hide, come to me, I love you. And when we draw near to Him, He gives us His own heart,” he said. This, he explained, is not a distant relationship, but one rooted in love, calling all Christians to know and love others with the same compassion.

The Bishop also emphasised the universal nature of Christ’s saving mission. “Christ did not die for a few. He died for all people,” he said, reminding the faithful that unity is one of the fruits of Christ’s Body. He added that redemption is lived not only within the Church, but also in everyday life—in homes, communities, and even in times of suffering.

His Excellency giving out his final blessing to the Catholic Faithful of St. Mary's Parish

As he concluded his homily, Bishop Soongie encouraged the faithful to trust in God’s grace and to strive to become “good and faithful shepherds” in their own lives through humility, service, and prayer. “Reflecting on these things helps us overcome our fears and weaknesses, and leads us to trust more firmly in God’s help,” he said.

His message served as both a reflection on the Gospel and a call to action—urging all present to live as shepherds who guide, protect, and unite others, following the example of Christ.

At the end of the celebration, the Bishop also called on the faithful to continue praying for vocations and to support those who feel called to serve the Church. “The future of the Church depends on our willingness to encourage and support those who hear God’s call,” he affirmed.

The celebration concluded in a spirit of hope and renewal, leaving the faithful strengthened in their mission to live out their faith with love and unity.